Magnesium citrate: Information from Answers.com Mobile

Magnesium Citrate

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:

Magnesium Citrate oral solution (below)
Magnesium Citrate Oral solution
Magnesium Citrate Oral solution

Espa�ol:

Solución oral de citrato de magnesio
Citrato de magnesio, Solución oral

Magnesium Citrate oral solution

What is magnesium citrate oral solution?

MAGNESIUM CITRATE (Evac-Q-Mag®, Citro-Nesia®, Citroma®) is as a saline laxative. This medicine is commonly used to empty and prepare the colon (bowel) for rectal or colon exams (diagnostic tests) or surgery. This drug may be used to treat occasional constipation, but it should not be used regularly for this purpose. Generic magnesium citrate oral solution is available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• colostomy or ileostomy
• diabetes
• diarrhea or severe constipation
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• stomach or intestine problems, such as stomach pain, diverticulitis, a stomach obstruction, bleeding or vomiting
• an unusual reaction to magnesium citrate, other magnesium products, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take magnesium citrate solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Magnesium citrate may taste better if it is chilled before you drink it. Magnesium citrate should be taken with plenty of additional water or other approved fluids. It usually takes only 30 minutes to 2 hours for magnesium citrate to work, so do not take it late in the day or at bedtime unless your health care provider has instructed otherwise.

If your are using this medicine prior to an exam or surgery, follow all instructions of your health care provider regarding your preparation for the exam or surgery. Do not mix the magnesium citrate solution with other fluids unless your health care provider agrees, as you may have to follow dietary restrictions.

Do not use magnesium citrate on a regular basis as a laxative; if your constipation is a continuing problem, contact your health care provider.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss your dose, and you were to take this medication at a certain time prior to a procedure or doctor appointment, check with your health care provider for directions. You still may be able to take your dose, or you may have to reschedule your appointment and take the magnesium citrate at another time.

If you are using magnesium citrate short-term as a laxative, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra or double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with magnesium citrate?

• antacids, laxatives or dietary supplements that contain magnesium (examples: Milk of Magnesia and many antacids)
• cellulose sodium phosphate
• certain heart medications, such as digoxin
• edetate disodium, EDTA
• etidronate
• quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, and others)
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• tetracycline antibiotics (examples: doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline)
• water pills (diuretics, especially potassium-sparing diuretics such as triamterene or amiloride)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking magnesium citrate?

Be sure to take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. If you have questions on how to use your medication, ask for directions from your pharmacist or physician.

Magnesium citrate can taste very bitter. If you chill the solution before you drink it, it may taste better to you. You may add lemon, orange or other citrus juices to the solution to help hide the bitter taste, if your health care professional agrees. Check with your health care provider for approval, as there may be dietary restrictions prior to your procedure or surgery. Be sure to drink 1—2 full glasses of water with each magnesium citrate dose to help prevent dehydration.

Your health care provider may need to monitor your kidney function. Be sure to tell your health care professional if you have any kidney problems.

What side effects may I notice from receiving

magnesium citrate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• dehydration
• dizziness, redness or flushing of your face, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, chest pain or heart palpitations
• extreme drowsiness
• muscle weakness
• severe nausea or vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• mild nausea

Where can I keep my

medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 8—30 degrees C (46—86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused product within 24 hours of opening the bottle.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.